System and method for range of motion analysis and balance training while exercising

Abstract

A system and method for range of motion analysis while exercising, including methods for constructing user movement profiles based on repeated and typical user movements during exercises as are typical for an adult of a user's age, weight, etc., and capable of warning a user of unhealthy, unsafe, or anomalous movement patterns during exercise, using a balance trainer, range of motion analyzer, and a plurality of sensors in conjunction with an exercise device, in an effort to reduce health risks to users during exercise with an enhanced or mixed reality exercise device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for range of motion analysis and balance training while exercising, comprising:
 an exercise machine; and   a first sensor connected to or integrated into the exercise machine, and configured to detect the angle of a user's torso away from vertical; and   at least one additional sensor connected to or integrated into the exercise machine configured to detect the range of motion of at least one portion of the user's body; and   a range of motion analyzer, comprising at least a plurality of programming instructions stored in the memory of, and operating on at least one processor of, a computing device, wherein the plurality of programming instructions, when operating on the processor, cause the computing device to:
 receive data from the at least one additional sensor; 
 receive or obtain statistical data regarding range of motion norms for people of different ages; 
 receive or obtain stored user profile data for the current user of the compatible exercise machine; 
 perform a plurality of analyses of the user's range of motion; 
 create a profile of the user's range of motion relative to statistical norms, prior history, and the virtual reality or mixed reality environment associated with the user's exercise; 
 display the results to the user in graphical or textual form; and 
   a balance trainer, comprising at least a plurality of programming instructions stored in the memory of, and operating on at least one processor of, a computing device, wherein the plurality of programming instructions, when operating on the processor, cause the computing device to:
 receive data from the first sensor; 
 calculate, based on the data from the first sensor and the rate of change of that data, when the user is likely to stumble or fall; and 
 display a warning to the user in graphical or textual form to train the user to learn to anticipate and correct stumbles and falls. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the user's data is stored to track changes in range of motion and balance over time. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a computing device capable of rendering a virtual reality or mixed reality environment wherein the exercise machine, computing device, and the system are configured to operate in conjunction, providing exercise with a virtual reality or mixed reality environment and range of motion analysis and balance training. 
     
     
         4 . A method for range of motion analysis and balance training while exercising, comprising the steps of:
 detecting and characterizing the angle of a user's torso away from vertical position, using a sensor and exercise machine;   detecting and characterizing the range of motion of at least one portion of a user's body, using an additional sensor and an exercise machine;   receiving or obtaining statistical data regarding range of motion norms for people of different ages, using a range of motion analyzer;   receiving or obtaining stored user profile data for the current user of the compatible exercise machine, using a range of motion analyzer;   performing a plurality of analyses of the user's range of motion, using a range of motion analyzer;   creating a profile of the user's range of motion relative to statistical norms, prior history, and the virtual reality or mixed reality environment associated with the user's exercise, using a range of motion analyzer;   displaying the results to the user in graphical or textual form;   informing a user if they are likely to fall, based at least in part on data from the first sensor and the rate of change of that data, using a balance trainer and a first sensor; and   displaying a warning to a user in graphical or textual form in order to improve a user's ability to anticipate and correct stumbles or falls through improved exercise form, using a balance trainer and display.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the user's data is stored to track changes in range of motion and balance over time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising a computing device capable of rendering a virtual reality or mixed reality environment wherein the exercise machine, computing device, and the system are configured to operate in conjunction, providing exercise with a virtual reality or mixed reality environment and range of motion analysis and balance training.